Movie Review: "The Brothers Bloom"

The Brothers Bloom

Directed by: Rian Johnson
Starring: Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel Weisz, Rinko Kikuchi
Rated: PG-13 for violence, some sensuality, and brief strong language

Rian Johnson's follow up to the critically acclaimed film BRICK is the film The Brothers Bloom, a quirky comedic action piece that the closest thing to a cross between a Chris Nolan and Wes Anderson film. The movies follows Bloom (Adrien Brody), a con-man who seemingly wants out, despite the consistent planning of his older brother Stephen (Mark Ruffallo) who loves the thrill of the chase as much as their success. Along with team member Bang Bang (a dynamic performance from Rinko Kikuchi), the brothers set out for one last job, to steal millions from a rich and lonely heiress, Penelope (Rachel Weiss). It starts out simple enough, but the job is so rapid and complex that, once Bloom starts questioning who is really playing who, one becomes lost by the endless possibilities of cons that everything (and everyone) becomes jaded. Is Stephen playing Bloom? Is Penelope playing the Brothers? Is Diamond Dog a good or bad guy? For those confused by Inception, stay away from Bloom. However, despite is confusion, an awkward scene of sensuality, some brief harsh language, an existential worldview, Brothers Bloom is still a funny and original film with a crisp, witty script that has the terrific sentiment that there is "no such thing as an unwritten life," so one should live like they're "telling the best story in the whole world." While The Brothers Bloom may not be his best, one can see great things ahead for director Rian Johnson. And there is no con to that.